In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of fashion, it’s easy for men to feel overwhelmed. In the Good Life Collective, we believe that dressing well and having a good fashion sense is an important element both in social environments and for self-esteem. That’s why in one of our regular webinars we focused specifically on this topic and covered a few facets of fashion that can easily be applied to elevate your game.

Fashion is a personal statement, a way to express who you are without saying a word. It’s about more than just wearing clothes; it’s about presenting yourself in a way that resonates with your personality and values. One concept that has risen in popularity is that of ‘quiet fashion‘. This approach prioritizes subtlety and tastefulness over flashiness, focusing on quality, fit, and timeless styles that won’t go out of fashion in a season.

Finding Your Style

Developing your own style is a journey, not a destination. It’s about experimenting with different looks, identifying what works best for you, and refining it over time. What makes you feel confident? What clothes make you feel comfortable? Start noticing patterns in the outfits that you gravitate towards and replicate those elements. Remember, style is personal. It’s not about following trends blindly; it’s about expressing your individuality.

Capsule Wardrobe

Many of us have limited space for storage, and we also want to reduce fashion choices to a minimum and get on with our life.

We all know about examples like Zuckerberg or Jobs who pretty much dressed the same every day to avoid wasting time on choosing what to wear. Their immense social power didn’t necessitate that they use fashion to signal anything, in fact, one could argue that their minimalistic choice signals how focused they are on their work.

For most of us, going to such an extreme is not the ideal approach to fashion and cuts out a lot of fun from life, so we can start thinking about creating a fashion capsule instead.

A capsule wardrobe is a minimalist approach to fashion, focusing on a small collection of essential items that don’t go out of style and can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. A well-curated capsule wardrobe will serve you in most situations and simplify your daily dressing decisions, making your life easier and your outfits more cohesive. This concept is the cornerstone of a stylish wardrobe, as it promotes thoughtful purchasing and discourages impulse buying.

Brands to Lookout For

I spend the vast majority of my time in informal environments, namely time at home or outdoors with the family, at my club for work and leisure, and in purely sporting endeavors. Therefore I favor practicality very strongly. An article of clothing can be both functional and fashionable. For instance, a sleek waterproof jacket or a warm, yet stylish woolen sweater, not only serves a purpose but also adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Brands such as Icebreaker, Zara, Massimo Dutti, COS, Ted Baker, Scalpers and Son of a Tailor are renowned for their fusion of practicality and style.

Additionally, brands such as Buck Mason, known for their modern American classics; Taylor Stitch, which offers sturdy, toasty pieces for colder months; and Todd Snyder, king of collaborations and vintage refreshes, are all great places to explore​. If you’re looking for affordable suits, SuitSupply is an excellent option​, while J.Crew offers bold colors and a preppy style​.

Loro Piana is one of my favorites for that extra leap in quality, although they do cost significantly more.

One important aspect of building a stylish wardrobe is to find brands that work for your body type and stick with them. This eliminates the guesswork and ensures a consistent fit.

Customizing Your Clothes

Customizing your clothes is a fantastic way to make your style truly unique. A simple alteration can transform an average piece into something that fits you perfectly and matches your style. Many brands, like SuitSupply, offer in-house alterations, ensuring that the clothes you buy from them fit you just right.

On the other hand, companies like Son of a Tailor offer fully customized clothes, allowing you to choose everything from the fabric to the fit.

The beauty of fashion lies in its flexibility. It is not about fitting into a mold, but about finding what works for you and replicating it. Whether it’s a specific cut of jeans that accentuates your physique or a color that complements your complexion, identifying your style is a significant step toward fashion success.

In Barcelona, you can get bespoke tailoring at Santa Eulalia.

Bel y Cia in Madrid have great tailoring and are recommended for shirts. Camiseria Burgos (also in Madrid) can do custom tailoring in the same style if you ask them.

Jeans and Trousers

The right pair of jeans or trousers can make or break an outfit. Slim-fit jeans, as opposed to skinny jeans, often provide a more universally flattering silhouette and work for most occasions. For a casual summer look, consider turning up the cuffs of your jeans at the ankles for a stylish twist.

Shoes and Sneakers

Footwear is an essential part of your outfit. A good pair of shoes can elevate your outfit and complete your look. For those who are into special edition sneakers, StockX, GOAT and Farfetch are excellent platforms to explore.

A useful trick is to hide your shoelaces by using techniques such as “Lace Anchors” or “Invisible Lacing.” This creates a cleaner, more streamlined look.

Shopping Tips for the Modern Man

When it comes to shopping for new pieces, there are a few tips that can help you make the most of your time and money.

1. Shop with a Plan: Before you start shopping, have a clear idea of what you need. This not only saves time but also prevents impulse purchases.
2. Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to invest in a few high-quality pieces that will last for years than to buy a lot of cheap items that won’t stand the test of time.
3. Try Before You Buy: Always try clothes on before buying them. This ensures that the item fits well and looks good on you.
4. Consider the Care Instructions: Check the care instructions before purchasing an item. If it requires dry cleaning or any other special care, think about whether you’re willing to put in the effort to maintain it.

Where to Shop Online

Online fashion shopping in Europe provides many options for new and second-hand high-end goods. If you’re in the market for new luxury items, Mytheresa is an excellent choice. As a Munich-based online shopping destination, Mytheresa offers a wide selection of products from over 200 of the world’s top luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada, and Saint Laurent. Their curated selections, express worldwide shipping, and top-notch customer service make the shopping experience seamless and enjoyable.

For those seeking high-end second-hand goods, Vestiaire Collective stands out. Founded in France and boasting a community of over 7 million fashion-conscious members, it’s a marketplace for pre-owned designer items. From iconic Hermès Birkin bags to Chanel tweed jackets, Vestiaire Collective ensures authenticity and quality, thanks to its dedicated team of experts who verify every item sold. With its user-friendly platform and commitment to sustainability, Vestiaire Collective makes luxury accessible and promotes a more circular fashion economy. Whether you’re searching for the latest fashion trends or timeless vintage pieces, these two platforms cater to a variety of tastes and budgets in the European online shopping landscape.

Another prominent player in the European online fashion market is Yoox. Known for its curated selection of high-end and luxury fashion, Yoox caters to those seeking exclusive and unique pieces. The platform showcases various designers and brands, encompassing everything from clothing and footwear to accessories and jewelry. With its focus on luxury fashion, Yoox appeals to individuals who appreciate quality craftsmanship and timeless elegance.

A popular platform for the midrange tier is Zalando, which has gained significant recognition for its extensive collection of apparel and accessories. With its user-friendly interface and convenient search features, Zalando provides customers with a seamless shopping experience. The portal offers products from a multitude of well-known brands, making it a go-to destination for fashion enthusiasts across Europe.

In Barcelona, Santa Eulalia is a popular option.

Subscribing to newsletters from your favorite brands or online fashion platforms can keep you updated on the latest collections, sales, and discounts. This can help you snag your favorite items at a reduced price.

The Art of Decluttering Your Wardrobe

Just as important as acquiring new pieces is knowing when to let go of old ones. Your wardrobe is a reflection of your style, and keeping it fresh and up-to-date is key to maintaining a fashionable appearance. Regularly decluttering your wardrobe not only frees up space but also allows you to reassess your style and make room for new additions.

I’ve always struggled with removing older items that are still functionally good (no holes, stains etc). I was brought up with a sense of trying to keep using things forever and not throwing away anything unless it’s broken and unusable. However, I’ve had to battle this with regard to fashion (and other areas too).

Here are some indicators that can guide your decision on whether to clear out items:

1. Quality and Condition: The most apparent sign that it’s time to retire an item from your wardrobe is when it’s noticeably worn out. This can include visible signs such as fading, pilling, staining, or tears that can’t be mended. Clothing that has lost its shape or no longer fits properly also falls under this category. While some items might hold sentimental value or remind you of a certain time in your life, if they’re beyond repair or cleaning, it’s likely time to let them go.
2. Frequency of Use: If you haven’t worn an item in a year or more, it might be a sign that it’s time to declutter. Unless the piece is a specialized item like a suit for formal occasions, it’s taking up valuable space in your wardrobe. Consider the rule of ‘one in, one out’ – every time you purchase a new piece, aim to donate or recycle an old one.
3. Outdated Trends: Fashion is dynamic, and what was trendy a few years ago might not be today. If you’re holding onto items that are no longer in style and you don’t see yourself wearing them in the future, it may be time to clear them out. However, some styles can become classics or come back into fashion, so use your judgment here.
4. Comfort and Confidence: Ultimately, your wardrobe should be filled with items that make you feel good. If there are pieces that you no longer feel comfortable or confident wearing, it’s a sign they should be moved out of your wardrobe. Clothes are an expression of your personal style and should make you feel like the best version of yourself.

When clearing out your wardrobe, it’s important to dispose of your clothing responsibly. Consider donating to local charities, recycling programs, or even selling or swapping clothes with friends. This process is not just about decluttering, but also about curating a wardrobe that represents you and serves your current needs.

Technology and Fashion: The Perfect Blend

In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and this extends to the realm of fashion as well. Wearable tech, like smartwatches and fitness trackers, not only serve practical functions but can also be stylish additions to your outfit. Brands like Apple offer sleek designs that can be easily incorporated into your everyday style.

There’s an array of tech gadgets that can complement your fashion sense. High-quality headphones, like the Airpods range, not only provide excellent sound quality but are also sleek and compact, making them a fashionable and functional accessory. If you’re into photography, a stylish camera bag or a vintage-inspired camera can serve as a statement piece.

And if you’re into fitness trackers, the Oura ring could not only provide the functionality you need, but also complement your fashion style.

Accessories: More than Just Decoration

Accessories play a crucial role in defining your style. They are the finishing touches that can either make or break your outfit. Wearing accessories shows attention to detail and can give off an impression of sophistication.

While neck chains can be hard to pull off, bracelets are a versatile accessory that can be matched with a variety of outfits. Websites like Trendhim offer a variety of stylish bracelets that can add a touch of personality to your outfit.

You don’t need to spend a ton of money on bracelets; go for gemstones (and know what kind they are as people will ask you about them) or lace bracelets, or even leather ones. You can choose a few colors that work with your wardrobe.

Watches

Finally, let’s talk about watches. They are not just a time-telling device, but an accessory that can speak volumes about your style and taste. A watch market like Chrono24. Some brands outside the big ones to look out for are Grand Frank, Farer, Hamilton, and Charlie Paris, which all offer a range of watches that are both affordable and chic. If you’re looking for something more upscale, Farfetch, StockX, and GOAT have got you covered.

In conclusion, building a stylish and practical wardrobe does not have to be complicated. All it takes is a bit of planning and research. I would also recommend that you ask your family and friends for honest feedback.

I’ve always been hugely into music and dreamed of playing instruments as a young kid. However, for some reason or another, I never went for any classes in a serious way when I was young. I did learn basic guitar which I enjoyed, but never practiced enough to do anything with it. The piano is also much more versatile and enjoyable to play alone versus a guitar. So as a young adult I took some music theory and piano lessons that I enjoyed, but again life got in the way. I do remember having a little wooden toy piano that I definitely used a lot when I was just a few years old, and had a wooden flute, toy air piano, xylophone and harmonica. I loved playing around with them but that was as far as I got.

As I approach my 40s, I’d like to take another serious shot at this. Moreover, I now have two young kids, and I am fully appreciative of the positive impact music education can have on their development. I want to set the example and hopefully they can also learn alongside me.

So, to start off, I need a digital keyboard that feels as close to a piano as possible, and a piano teacher or online learning platform.

This post will serve as my notes for these two tasks.

Best Beginner Keyboards

I focused my research on portable keyboards, as they take the least space, are easy to move around and probably easier to sell when the time comes, or if my plan doesn’t work out.

Next, it’s time to consider brands.

General consensus among piano teachers and players is that you should not go off-brand when buying a piano. There are a number of long-established brands that you are probably familiar with:

• Yamaha
• Roland
• Kawai
• Casio
• Korg
• Nord

Anything beyond these household names is considered off-brand. Some examples are Alesis and Donner. There are many others, typically Chinese manufactured and designed to look good, but with important flaws.

Weighted keys are essential for learning proper technique, so prepare to spend €500 and upwards as that’s where decent weighted keyboards start at.

The reasonably priced Casio CDP-S100 but watch the Youtube reviews by “Piano4ever” (James Pavel Shawcross) who is scathing about the mismatch in weight between the white and lighter black keys on Casio digital pianos. You might also want to find comparative reviews to hear the sounds of this one against things like Yamaha P45 and Roland FP-10. It may be a matter of personal choice but the Casio does not seem to sound that great compared to others – possibly too “tinny” (which some might call “bright”)

Going up the scale (!) the Yamaha P45 is somewhere above the Casio. A lot of reviewers have quite nice things to say about P45 but it’s not a “modern” design and is perhaps getting a little bit long in the tooth.

The most sensible choices for a beginner that wants a quality setup:

• Roland FP-10 (€400)
• Roland FP-30X (€670)
  
• Yamaha P45 (€422)
• Yamaha P125 (€600)
  
• Kawai-ES110 (€600)
  
• Casio PX S-1000 (€500)

Out of these the Roland FP-30X was the best choice for me. The FP-10 is better than the Yamaha P-45, while the FP-30X improves on the FP-10 for a slight increase in price. The speakers at this price point from Casio, Yamaha, and Korg don’t match up in this department.

If we compare the Roland FP-30X with the Yamaha P125, the Yamaha loses out on key-action as well as bluetooth connectivity, the latter being a big issue for me. The Yamaha P125 does seem to be slightly better sounding though. If you tweak the sound qualities, the FP-30X sounds just as good as the P-125. The speakers fire downward and fill up the room a little bit better. It is also the newer model of the two.

The number of sounds available wasn’t a big consideration for me, since these can typically be expanded either by connecting via MIDI to a VST, or by using companion apps that these makers provide. For example, with the Roland FP-10 you get 15 built-in sounds that can be selected using Function+keys. However, if you run the Piano Partner 2 app which connects to the piano with Bluetooth you actually get to select between 35 instruments.

With Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology and the same expressive 88-tone PHA-4 Standard keyboard as the premium model FP-60X, the FP-30X is the perfect home instrument for Beginner players.

Finally, the Roland FP-10 and FP-30X are easy to sell as they are extremely popular among beginners. At worst you would lose a couple hundred euros, lessening the risk of such a purchase considerably.

I would have considered the FP-10 versus the FP-30, where it not for the fact that the FP-30X is a new model that improves in some significant ways on the FP-30, while the FP-10 does not have a corresponding new model.

My favorite keyboard for looks and features, on the other hand, is the Casio PX-S7000, but I would buy this further along the journey as it’s much more expensive and has features that are not necessary at the very early stages. It does look beautiful though, and I especially like the stand that comes with it.

Keyboards for Kids

Since I want to involve my kids in my learning process, I did some research on instruments/toys that might be ideal to get them interested as well.

Here are the best I found:

Korg tinyPiano (€200)

The tinyPiano is part furniture, part introductory piano, and part toy. Definitely on the expensive side, but the reviews are great.

Yamaha Remie (€60)

The best intro instrument, since it has quiz mode and lots of sounds (animals, horns etc) that can keep even the little ones entertained.

Yamaha PSS-F30 (€60)

Great for those kids who already know how to play a bit and want to have some fun with the in-built sounds and accompaniments.

Learning

For learning, Pianote is a good way to start, atlhough you will want to eventually find a good local teacher. There are also several books that you could try, and if you have a Skillshare membershi there are a few courses available.

Here are some resources I’ve been using:

• SimplyPiano – makes it really fun to progress as it lets you play popular songs in an easy way. They also have apps for singing and guitar.
• Skoove
• Hoffman Academy – especially good for kids
• Little Fingers – Youtube channel with easy tutorials (e.g. Coffin dance & L’Amour Toujours)
• EasyPiano – Youtube channel with easy and slow tutorials (e.g. Blue)
• Music Files – free sheet music
• Playground Sessions
• Flowkey

I’ll update this post with progress, but if there are any other adult musical instrument learners out there, I’d love to hear about your experience.

Here are some notes on family inheritances. This can be a heavy subject for many families, and now that I am both a child and a parent, it makes sense to think about the topic and try to plan early.

We start off with the fact that parents owe nothing to their children financially.

Most parents would have given way more than their kids can ever hope to equal in terms of love, care, shelter and financial assistance while they were growing up. This is just the nature of things. It’s the role of a parent to do so.

Once the kids leave their parents’ house to start their own life, provided there are no obvious impediments (e.g. disabilities) they should be independent. Even if they don’t physically leave the house due to some reason or cultural norm, there should be a cutoff point around the 18-20 years old mark.

Parents should strive to teach their kids how to manage their finances from an early age. Ideally, they should also show them how they can make money and instill an entrepreneurial spirit – even if they eventually end up getting a job and not do their own thing.

The easiest way to manage an inheritance is to split it equally between the children. But it’s not always such an easy strategy. One obstacle is the fact that inheritances rarely consist of purely cash assets. With other types of assets, valuations can complicate matters a lot. There might also be items being passed on that have a big sentimental value to members of the family, so it becomes very tricky quite quickly.

One other option is to not leave any inheritance or to leave all assets to a charitable trust, possibly managed by the kids. Typically this kind of option is chosen by parents worried that an inheritance will cause issues between the siblings or that the sudden influx of money will somehow corrupt them. While I think these are perfectly acceptable options, they wouldn’t align with my way of thinking. I think money is a great enabler, and if children are well educated from an early age in the school of life, an inheritance (or living a childhood with no financial worries) will not affect them in a negative way. 

100% of the negative cases I’ve seen concerning money and inheritances were because of the parents never really giving their kids a well-rounded education (typically because they were too busy working and amassing a fortune to actually spend time with the kids), so the end result was not surprising.

Another consideration is when not all siblings have been equally fortunate in life. What do you do when one child is objectively in a more needy state due to a disability, unfortunate event etc? In these cases, if all members of the family have a good relationship between them, it is quite understandable to make sure the more needy child has their needs covered as a first priority.

Communication between the parents and children about their inheritance plans is always essential and helps to avoid conflict down the line.

I’ll keep expanding this article over time, but if you have any input on this topic it would be great to hear for you in the comments section below.

Further Reading

• Family Wealth: Keeping It in the Family – Hughes Jr E

Note: This list is just a small taste of books that have played an important part in my life. I’ve read hundreds of books and it has proven to be impossible to keep a definite updated list of favorite books. 

Here’s the one biggest catalyst for most of my successes in life: being a voracious reader. My weapon of choice is the Kindle, I’m constantly on the lookout for new books and articles and sending them to my Kindle for reading later. Coming from a small and pretty isolated island I can definitely say that if I hadn’t read so much I would never have enjoyed the success in life and business that I have.

Although I have three University degrees, I must confess that I skipped most lectures, simply because I felt they were too boring for me. Instead, I spent time in quiet places devouring book after book on the topics that interested me most.

So if you want to be successful and don’t yet have a habit of reading, start now, read something daily, and allocate time during the week for extended reading sessions of 45 minutes to one hour.

Extra bonus tip: Make sure you keep a blog/journal/diary where you can write down new concepts that you learn or ideas that you get while reading.

I speed through lots of books every year but many times I have trouble recalling the ones I’ve read if, for example, someone asks me for a quick recommendation.

It’s also good to have a handy list of books read because it happens that a few months or years down the line you want to revisit a book you’ve previously read, or a specific topic. The answer to these situations is of course to keep a list of books that you read.

I’ve used Goodreads to try and build a virtual bookshelf of sorts, however, it’s been very difficult to maintain, mostly since I read a lot of books every year. My average is around 6-8 per month. So instead, I’ll be trying a different approach and just listing the most impressive books I’ve read about the several topics I’ve gotten into over time.

If I had to ever quit using my Kinde and install a library in my home, you can bet these books will be populating its bookshelves.

Religion & Spirituality

• Waking Up and The End of Faith by Sam Harris
• The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton
• New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton
• The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield
• Why We Believe in God(s) by Richard Dawkins

I would also encourage reading books from Bible scholar Bart Ehrman, he has several good ones.

Business

• The 4-hour workweek by Tim Ferriss
• Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
• Rework by DHH and Jason Fried
• Remote by DHH and Jason Fried
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
• Built to Sell by John Warrillow
• Deep Work by Cal Newport
• Work the System by Sam Carpenter

Psychology & Behavioral Economics

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
• Mindwise by Nicholas Epley
• The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters
• The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz
• Fooled by Randomness, The Black Swan, and Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
• Outliers, Blink and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Philosophy

• Genome, The Rational Optimist and The Red Queen by Matt Ridley
• The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
• A Guide to the Good Life by William Irvine
• The Republic by Plato
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Investing

• Money Master the Game by Tony Robbins
• Principles by Ray Dalio
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
• The Richest Man in Babylon by George Clason

I would also recommend going through the investing curriculum for other great investing books.

History & Future

• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
• Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
• The story of civilization by Will and Ariel Durant
• Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
• A short history of nearly everything by Bill Bryson

Health

• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
• Sleep by Nick Littlehales

Sports & Sports Psychology

• Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? by Alex Hutchinson
• The Champion’s Mind by Jim Afremow and Jim Craig
• The Brave Athlete by Simon Marshall and Paterson Lesley
• Winning Ugly by Brad Gilbert and Steve Jamison
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey

Economics

• The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
• Misbehaving by Richard Thaler
• Economics in One Lesson by Henry Hazlitt

Biographies

• Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson
• Giocare da Uomo by Javier Zanetti

Politics

• Political Order and Political Decay and The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama

Science Fiction & Fantasy

• Check out these Science Fiction and Fantasy lists on Goodreads

Looking for more books? While I continue to update the list above, check this great list of books, and this one too, many of which I’ve also read and can recommend.

I’m also working my through this collection of great essays.